Targeting human HIV latency with super-enhancer RNA targets
Official title: Targeting Super-Enhancers to regulate HIV transcription and Latency
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11482810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly plan to explore how special RNA molecules in immune cells control HIV hiding in the body and how we might disrupt that to help control the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $297,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203697-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11482810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV on ART who have latent reservoirs could be impacted by future targeted therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no immediate benefit for individuals not living with HIV or not on ART.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV lies dormant in resting CD4+ T cells and causes the virus to rebound if ART is stopped. It focuses on host RNA regulators, especially super-enhancer–associated long non-coding RNAs, that may keep HIV latent. The researchers will examine how silencing certain SE-LncRNAs affects HIV transcription in immune cells. If successful, this could lead to more targeted latency-reversing strategies with fewer side effects. The work is in early stages and uses lab-based studies to pave the way for future patient-focused treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more precise approaches to wake up and clear latent HIV, potentially reducing reliance on lifelong ART.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest SE-LncRNAs influence HIV transcription, but this approach is still exploratory and needs further confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kulkarni, Smita — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Kulkarni, Smita
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.